Crystal Palace Vs AZ Alkmaar, UEFA Conference League 2025-26
Match Summary
Ismaila Sarr scored twice to lead Crystal Palace to a 3-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar at Selhurst Park, helping the Eagles regain winning form in the UEFA Conference League.
Key Moments
- Maxence Lacroix opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a right-footed strike after a header from Marc Guehi.
- Jean-Philippe Mateta missed a penalty five minutes before the opener, saved by AZ goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, who had committed the foul on Sarr.
- Sarr extended Palace's lead just before halftime by capitalizing on a set-piece confusion by AZ defenders.
- AZ Alkmaar scored in the 54th minute through a deflected shot by captain Sven Mijnans, catching Dean Henderson off guard.
Team Performance
AZ Alkmaar remain without a win in 11 away games in England. The Dutch side had suffered a home defeat to Larnaca in their previous Conference League match, but this game showed stronger resistance before Palace pulled away.
"Ismaila Sarr scored twice as Crystal Palace returned to winning ways in the Conference League after Thursday's 3-1 victory over AZ at Selhurst Park."
Maxence Lacroix's composed finish contrasted sharply with Mateta's earlier penalty miss, highlighting Palace's resilience and clinical edge in key moments.
Author's Summary
Ismaila Sarr's brace propelled Crystal Palace to a confident 3-1 Conference League win, ending AZ Alkmaar's winless run in England and boosting Palace's campaign momentum.